Family law · Berlin
Your divorce lawyer in Berlin – calm, clear and on your side.
As a lawyer with a focus on family law, I guide you through separation and divorce – objectively, in plain language and with an eye on what matters now: your children and your financial future.
- Personal support – no legal jargon
- Out-of-court solutions wherever possible
- On Kurfürstendamm or online – also in English and Russian
Confidential. I usually reply within 24 hours.
- 5.0 on Google
- 100+ family law cases
- Member of the Berlin Lawyers’ Association
Your situation
When a marriage ends, suddenly there are so many questions.
On top of the pain of separation come worries about the children, your home and money. And in the conflict with your partner, the very things that matter most are often lost from view.
-
What will happen to our children?
Where they will live, how often they will see the other parent and who decides: for most parents, these are the hardest questions of all.
-
Who gets to stay in the house or flat?
Whether you own or rent, the family home is often the biggest point of contention – emotionally and financially.
-
Who pays maintenance – and how much?
Whether you have to pay maintenance or depend on it, uncertainty about your own livelihood takes a heavy toll.
-
Will I lose half of everything?
Many people fear having to give up half of their assets in a divorce. That is not quite how it works – but the worry is understandable.
You don’t have to face these questions alone: I will support you competently and personally through this difficult time.
The first step
Let’s take a look at your situation together.
Briefly tell me what it is about – by phone or using the form. I will usually get back to you within 24 hours.
Confidential and without obligation.
Services
How I can help you
I advise and represent you on all key issues of family law.
-
Divorce
From the one-year separation period to filing for divorce: I work out with you what needs to be settled and represent your interests.
-
Maintenance
Child maintenance, maintenance during separation or after divorce: I check what you are entitled to.
-
Custody and contact
Where the children will live and how contact with both parents will work: together, we look for solutions that are, above all, right for the children.
-
Property and assets
House, savings, a shared flat: I establish what actually has to be equalised and work towards a fair division.
Other matters
I am also here for you outside family law, for example in general civil law. Just get in touch.
What changes for you
In the end, there is clarity – for you and your family.
-
Certainty instead of uncertainty
You know where you stand: on the divorce, on maintenance and on what happens to your assets.
-
Less of a burden
I take care of the legal steps and the communication. You gain distance and room for what matters to you.
-
A solution that lasts
Whether by agreement or by court decision, the aim is an arrangement that you and your children can rely on.
Client testimonials
“I can only recommend Mr Mertens. From the very beginning, I felt I was in very good hands. The advice was competent, honest and easy to understand, and I always had the feeling that he genuinely took the time to deal with my concerns.”
What clients say about working with me
-
“I had a consultation with Richard Mertens and it was fantastic and very helpful. I received so much information about things I had previously misunderstood and got clear advice on my situation. He was very transparent about the costs and the process. The consultation was also held in English, which was a great relief. He was really good! I was very happy with the help I received and would definitely recommend him and go back to him in the future!”
Google review
-
“At very short notice, Mr Mertens represented me in urgent proceedings for an interim injunction concerning the handover and continued use of a vehicle. Despite being instructed so late, he was there for me quickly and took on my case.”
Google review · translated from German
-
“Richard Mertens gave me good advice, so I didn’t run into any difficulties with my problem. He was friendly and attentive – and above all, the advice was highly competent.”
Google review · translated from German
-
“Mr Mertens gave me very good advice on acknowledging paternity. He was very friendly and understanding.”
Google review · translated from German
Process
Getting advice is this simple
From first contact to a solution: you always know what happens next.
-
Enquiry
You call me or describe your matter using the form. I will usually get back to you within 24 hours.
-
Appointment
We arrange a consultation – in person at my office on Kurfürstendamm or online.
-
Assessment
You find out where you stand legally, what options you have and what lies ahead.
-
Your decision
If you wish, I will take on your representation and handle all further steps.
About me
Law with heart and mind
I am Richard Mertens, a lawyer in Berlin working mainly in family law. It matters to me to stand reliably by people’s side during difficult times in their lives – with empathy, clear communication and sound expertise.
Where emotions run high for others, I keep a clear overview. And when necessary, I assert your interests firmly.
To unwind, I enjoy hiking and playing chess.
- LL.M. from Rome, Ghent and Haifa
- Member of the Berlin Lawyers’ Association
- Advice in German, English and Russian
- Office on Kurfürstendamm, Berlin
Frequently asked questions
Answers to your questions
What does legal representation cost?
I charge in accordance with the German Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG). The fees depend on the value of the matter, which in turn depends on the type of proceedings. There are numerous online calculators for divorce costs, for example the divorce cost calculator of the German Lawyers’ Association (Deutscher Anwaltverein). I can give you an estimate of the likely costs during the initial consultation.
Will my legal expenses insurance cover the costs?
In family law matters, legal expenses insurance usually offers rather limited cover. However, there are premium policies, for example with family law cover. I can check for you whether your insurer will pay. I advise against taking out a policy specifically for an upcoming divorce – even if it is still a year away.
Will I lose half of my property in a divorce?
That is a widespread misconception. In a divorce, only the gains accrued during the marriage are equalised. In other words, only what a spouse has gained during the marriage is shared. If, for example, someone brings a property into the marriage and at the end still owns only that property, at most its increase in value can be shared – but not the property itself.
Doesn’t bringing in a lawyer just escalate things?
I hear this a lot. If your partner warns that bringing in a lawyer means escalation, the personal relationship has usually already broken down to the point where you need professional support.
For my part, I try to de-escalate the conflict – above all by favouring out-of-court settlements. Sometimes I also advise turning to a counselling service first. In a separation, an initial consultation is helpful in almost every case.
Contact
Tell me about your situation
Call me or use the form. I will usually get back to you within 24 hours.
- +49 30 98312332
- info@mertens-rechtsanwalt.de
- Kurfürstendamm 216, 10719 Berlin
- Advice in person or online
